Having Gone to the Forest

In early Buddhist instruction begins, “Having gone to the forest, to the root of a tree, or to an empty hut….” What follows is a simple invitation to sit down, establish mindfulness, and let the practice unfold. In this retreat, we explore this invitation. We will keep noble silence and practice steady, moment-to-moment awareness in a wild forest through sitting, standing and walking meditation with guidance to help recognize steadiness, wisdom, and kindness as they naturally emerge.

Our practice will be grounded in the four foundations of mindfulness: body, feeling-tone, mind and frameworks that support our meditation practice. Each day there will be practice instruction, a dharma talk and a small-group or one-on-one practice discussion with a teacher. The schedule will mostly be a rhythm of moving between sitting and walking meditation with opportunities to practice on trails, under open skies, with trees and near running water.

This retreat is suitable for both newcomers and experienced practitioners and offers a space for silent, steady practice and for letting the natural world help you discover what brings steadiness, wisdom, and freedom into your life.

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